Springfield daily republic. [volume] (Springfield, O. [Ohio]) 1887-1888, 1887-02-15
BRECKENRIDGE AND BENJAMIN.
How the Two Men Made Their Escape
from the Country,

In the summer Of 1915 met Gen Breck-
enridge in Richmond, and one Sunday
| afternoon we were sitting alone in front
of the Ballard hotel. / asked him, if not
I unpleasant. It would be gratifying To have
/ him give an account Of his escape after the
| downfall of the COnfedcracy, and how it
occurred that Mr.. Beniamin was separated
/ from him. He replied that lie would cheer
! fully do 50. and said that after following
| Mr. Davis some distance on the retreat he
/ became satisfied that Mr.. Davis had
/ selected the most dangerous route, and to
/ continue under h.s guidance, which he
/ persisted in. capture would be certain and
/ inevitable, L decided to pursue differ
I ent course. and. taking with me some
trUsty men and a. few as possible. left
Mr.. Davis and his escort and struck off
for the Florida coast. Soon afterward
Mr.. Davis, as | predicted was captured.
| met with some soldiers Of the Federal
army. They did not recognize me, and
nothing specially occurred to cause me 10
apprchtnd my arrest or safety. | passed
squad Of them in gallop, but no demon
stration was made against me, nor did
they seem 10 be aware who was"
lie then said: Having been familiar in
/ early life To hunt and travel in the night
in Kentucky. | recalled the experience of
my youth, and adapted myself 10 change
of circumstances, travelling inCoEnito and
with few faithful and fearless followers.
In short time, with nothing specially
pcrilous during the journey, we reached
the coast in safety. We then procured a
small boat and "A supply of provisions,
which were easily obtained. as was sup
piled with some gold. and with small
i'll
with me. and with J. Taylor Wood and
two others in an open boat we started for
the coast of Cuba. In two days and three
nights OF the most delightful and propi-
tious weather we landed within one mile OF
the island, our only guide being my pocket
compass. Capt. Wood fell overheard dur
ing the voyage, but was soon hauled in.
and was not the least Disconnected or
alarmed. He was one of the bravest of
men. After reaching Cuba found
friends and accommodations; remained
there IA brief time and then went TO Paris
and back eventually to Canada The bal
ance you are no doubt familiar with
Where was Mr. Benjamin" ! asked.
He remained with me only a day after
leaving Mr.. Davis. He was aremarkable
man, could adapt himself to any society
or circumstances; could speak French,
German and other languages fiuently. He
Travelled through the country rs Jew
merchant and sailed from Charleston, SO
| learned
made a memorandum IF this CONVEX
sation at the time and this is a verbatim
report.
Gen. Breckenridge was exceedingly
pleasant and courteous during the conver-
satiOn. but increasing age, disappointed
hopes and his varied experiences in life
have plainly changed his appearance from
the well proportioned and erect physical
manhood and handsome and striking
physiognomy which excited my admira-
ton when a college student in Washing
ton city in 1855 where | often saw him
preside with such splendid ability and
courtly bearing as vice president over the
United States senate. Thomas ID. JEFF
fress in Philadelphia Times.